FARMINGTON — University of Maine at Farmington Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation Julie Davis was recently named the National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletics Administrators NCAA Division III Administrator of the Year.

“I think it is a most well-deserved honor for Julie,” said UMF President Theodora J. Kalikow. “This award recognizes Julie’s achievements over many years at UMF.”

Davis will be one of nine individuals honored during the Administrator of the Year, Honor and Distinction Awards banquet at the 2010 NACWAA National Convention on Oct. 12 at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

“I”m humbled by this honor,” said Davis. “I was very pleasantly surprised.”

Davis was named the UMF Director of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation in 2000. Under her guidance, the department has enjoyed enhanced student-athlete and community support in the area of facilities, scheduling, sports medicine, sports information, strength and conditioning and educational programming. In addition to her role with varsity athletics, Davis also oversees the university’s Fitness and Recreation Center.

Since 2003, Farmington athletic teams have captured 19 North Atlantic Conference championships. Davis also places a strong emphasis on equal success in the classroom and that success has shone through in each of the last eight seasons as Farmington has led its conference in the number of scholar-athletes awards each year.

Davis has also focused significant attention towards the well-rounded development of student-athletes, promoting healthy living, leadership development and community service through grant-supported programs that resulted in the University being awarded three competitive and significant grants from the NCAA.

She has guided the department through a series of planned transitions that resulted in full membership in the NCAA Division III North Atlantic Conference.

Prior to Farmington, Davis amassed 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics. Previously, she served as administrator, faculty member and coach at several Midwestern institutions.

Davis earned her bachelor’s degree in physical and elementary education from Bethany College in West Virginia, where she graduated cum laude as a three-sport varsity athlete. She obtained her master’s degree in exercise science from Marshall University and completed the course work and comprehensive exams toward a doctorate in athletic administration at the University of Iowa. Davis is a NIRSA Certified Recreation and Sport Specialist and was a member of the first NACWAA/HERS Institute.

For more information on University of Maine at Farmington athletics, visit athletics.umf.maine.edu.